Honoring John: South Ukiah Rotary making dream into reality

If you didn't buy or sell a house from him, you probably ran into him at a fundraiser or community event.

The Ukiah native loved his community.

"There are so many John stories,'" notes South Ukiah Rotary member Francine Selim. "He really was Mr. Ukiah. John had so much joie de vivre. When he was Uncle Sam, he'd really take on the part, riding on a float at the Fourth of July Parade. John loved old stuff. He loved history. He knew so much about Ukiah - who everyone was, their family roots. He was also a very sensitive person and cared very much for others."

Bogner was an alumnus of St. Mary's, a member of the Mendocino College Foundation Board and was tapped on countless occasions to emcee local fundraisers such as the MESA Vine and Dine event or the college's Gala on the Green. Donning one of his flamboyant hats and ties, Bogner was a beloved "Mr. Christmas" and a deliverer of Halloween pumpkins to area families.

When Bogner died in 2011, members of the South Ukiah Rotary realized that a fitting tribute to Bogner was essential, according to Selim. And they knew exactly the project to take on.

"Years ago, there used to be a gazebo on the School Street side of the Mendocino County Courthouse," says Selim. In days gone by, Ukiahans enjoyed music and dancing under the gazebo -- a respite from the summer heat and a place for community members to gather. When the extension on the courthouse was constructed, the gazebo had to be removed and taken to a private home.

"John tracked the location of the gazebo and eventually purchased it," says Selim. Over the years, the gazebo was dismantled and moved from one location to another. His dream was to see the gazebo refurbished and relocated to an appropriate site.

"John hoped his fellow Rotarians would see the possibility of restoring the gazebo," notes Selim, but the service club members were engaged in other activities, from serving meals at Plowshares to staging their annual triathlon.

"Some of our members had a hard time imagining what the gazebo would look like in its fully restored condition. But the biggest challenge was that we didn't have the right location," she continues.

Prior to his death, the club had a Rotary Super Bowl party. "One of our members won money and decided to donate their winnings back to the club to help with the refurbishment of the gazebo. That was a big shot in the arm for John," says Selim.

Last year, Martha Barra organized a memorial fundraiser at Barra Winery. "The event provided us with the inspiration and the seed money to get the project going," says Selim. "The club members spent several months locating the various pieces of the gazebo, which had become separated over the years."

"John couldn't find the right place to put it. His big dream was to have it installed at McGarvey Park, but with no boundaries or supervision, it didn't seem like the right location."

Now, thanks to the generosity of the Mendocino County Historical Society, a new home has been located.

"The Society has graciously accepted the offer to house the greenhouse at the Held-Pogue House on Dora Street," says Selim. The gazebo will be installed in the side yard of the museum. "The whole club is really behind it."

The gazebo is currently dismantled, leaning against a building and lying on its side. It is constructed from old growth redwood, and the bottom portions of the structure will have to be refurbished along with some of the spindles and decorative work.

"The paint on the gazebo is lead and will have to be removed. The original roof was constructed with fabricated tin shingles. (Local businessman) Ross Liberty has agreed to honor his promise to John and will fabricate new shingles for the roof," says Selim. The club is seeking old growth redwood to help with the restoration process, as well as professional help to create the foundation. Members will begin work on the project this spring.

The South Ukiah Rotary has agreed to assume responsibility for the gazebo once it is installed.

Once again, the club is partnering with Barra Winery for another fundraiser in memory of Bogner, this Saturday.

"We're hosting an all-you-can-eat crab fest. We would love people to come to the crab feed to help support the project and honor John's memory. This project is a lovely way to honor a man filled with enthusiasm and love for his friends and his community," Selim concludes.

The event will begin promptly at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Mendocino Book Company or by visitingwww.ukiahrotarycrabfest.eventbrite.com.